By Ben Jensen A POOR SECOND QUARTER and a determined
Sydney Swans team conspired to give Geelong a twenty-two point loss at
Telstra Stadium last night. In front of 37,032 fans, the Cats started
off well, and took a one goal lead into quarter time. In the first quarter
there were six changes of lead, in the second three - but when the Swans
took the lead from the Cats early in a long second quarter, the Cats could
not claw the lead back.

Matthew Scarlett, who signed a lucrative contract extension
in the lead up to this match, was outshone by Sydney co-captain Barry
Hall in his first match back from suspension. Cameron Mooney was Geelong's
best, having created most of Geelong's scoring opportunities in the first
quarter.

Debutante Brent Prismall had a miserable day - he played
just ten minutes before breaking his hand. But like David Johnson, who
broke in ankle in his debut in round one 2002, he will return and hopefully
cement a place in the AFL side.

About the only two positives to come from the game were
ones that won't win you games; Brad Ottens took a huge grab in the third
quarter, while Gary Ablett, also in the third quarter, kicked a miracle
goal.

The winning margin, which flattered Geelong, should have
been a lot more; Sydney finished with twelve more scoring shots than Geelong,
but only two more goals. Sydney's major goalkickers, besides Hall, are
not noted goalkickers: Adam Schneider (four) and Craig Bolton (two). Michael
O'Loughlin was offline all night, finishing with just one goal but four
behinds.

For Geelong Paul Chapman, who had a most unpleasant one
hundredth game, was the top scorer along with Mooney kicking three, while
Ablett and Charlie Gardiner kicked two each. Each of Gardiner's goals
were gifted from Mooney, who on both occasions had taken a strong mark
before handballing to a free Gardiner.

NEXT WEEK Geelong return to the MCG for a replay with
Melbourne, who the Cats soundly defeated in last year's finals series
(SEE EARLIER REPORT). Melbourne, like Geelong
have two wins and three losses, started off poorly but have won their
last two matches, against Sydney and the Kangaroos. In contrast the Cats
have now lost three in a row, and will be desperately seeking to square
the ledger.

Geelong coach Mark Thompson expects Kent Kingsley to resume
this week, while Tom Harley should play in the VFL next week. Henry Playfair,
who was named to play in the VFL today, may also return. James Kelly has
struggled to return from a broken shoulder blade suffered during the NAB
Cup win, and is a chance to miss depending on form other other midfielders
in the VFL. But Captain Steven King will be up to a month away.